Here's a short little chapter for you. Joxer needed some attention and I wanted to give Xena some screen time too, even though she'll have more next chapter.

I just realized I used the name Mira for my OC in my Alias fic. Even though this one is supposed to be more like an ancient form of Mary and that one was short for the portuguese name Mirari, it's kinda strange that I picked it twice and didn't even realize it. I guess I like the name!

Also I realized I was writing the kids a little younger than I said they were, so let's make little Gwyn barely 5 and Maxius can be 8? Sound good? Good.

"Mira," Joxer started, meeting her gaze with an equally pointed one of his own. "I have to do something."

"What are you going to do?"

"Don't start, not you. Mira, you were the only one who never put me down."

"Joxer, I'm not talking about your abilities as a warrior. You can fight as well as I can." And that was a compliment, as she was a better fighter even than their father. She'd had to be to keep her three brothers from picking on her. "Do you even know who did this?"

"No, I don't , but I can -- Wait. Did you just say I could fight as good as you?"

"Yes." She smiled, "you can. I've seen it. But Joxer, you don't." He started to take offense to this but she cut him off. "What makes you different from Jett and Father and more like me and Jace is that you care about people. In real combat, your execution is tainted because you don't really want to hurt anyone. No matter how much you try to convince yourself otherwise." Joxer took a breath to argue and she cut him off again. "That's also what makes you my favorite brother."

Chloe started screaming, interrupting them. Mira let out a slightly exasperated huff and jiggled the baby. "She's hungry. We'll finish this conversation later, ok?"

Joxer just nodded and walked off. He couldn't decide if he was frustrated with his sister or just with himself or with the whole situation. It wasn't like him to brood. Jett did enough of that for the three of them, and Joxer didn't necessarily like the feeling, but couldn't escape it. He decided to take a little walk around the house to cool off before he went back inside with everyone, and was just out of the garden when the smell hit him.

At first he couldn't quite place what it was. It was familiar, but distantly, and when it finally hit him, it hit him hard. It was spices. Funeral spices. He took a few more steps and was met with the source. In the distance behind him he could hear Maxius and Gwyn playing, Mira singing to Chloe as she nursed her by the window overlooking the garden, and directly in front of him was the deafening silence of a small coffin. The pit of his stomach became hard as a rock and dropped to his feet, and his heart sought to follow. He felt his knees give way as though trying to catch the falling organs and he found himself on the ground before the coffin, sobbing.

--

Xena had brought in their luggage for them and appraised Gabrielle of the situation while Mira and the kids were outside. Gabrielle had wanted to cry, but pulled herself together as Mira came in with Chloe.

"You girls don't mind if I nurse her in here, do you?"

"No, of course not." Xena said. She smiled at Gabrielle, trying to encourage her, while they listened to Mira humming behind them.

Mira suddenly stopped humming. "Oh dear," she said, and scurried outside. She returned moments later with her children.

"You should go talk to him." Maxius was whispering as they came in.

"No, dear. Not just yet." His mother said, putting her hand on his shoulder. "I think he needs time alone for a moment. Like you did, remember?"

Maxius nodded solemnly and Gwyn came over to Gabrielle and Xena and climbed onto the bed with them.

"Uncle Joxer is sad." she said, sighing. Gabrielle rubbed her back, not knowing what to say. After a moment, Gwyn turned to them and stated, "Lucius died."

"I know," Gabrielle said quietly. "We're very sorry."

The little girl nodded. "Me too."

Xena got up and went over to Mira. "I'll go talk to him." She said, and Mira thanked her.

--

Xena swept up beside Joxer as quietly as she could, but her too-long dress dragged in the grass and he heard her. He began to wipe his face and attempted to suck down his tears. He cleared his throat.

"Xena," he said, straightening his spine, "what are you doing out here?"

"I came to find you." She sat down beside him.

"Why?"

"Mira and the kids came inside and you didn't. I was worried about you."

He nodded slowly but he didn't believe her. She looked at him for a moment and then at the tiny coffin before them.

With tears in her eyes she said, "Joxer, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the pain you must be going through."

He subconsciously tensed as he waited for her to drive home some sort of point about taking responsibility or remaining strong in the face of the enemy.

"I just hope you know that Gabrielle and I care about you very much." She said, dodging his astonished gaze, "You're part of our little family. If you ever need anything from me -- from us, well..."

He smiled a little at her. "I know," he said quietly. "Thank you, Xena."

"Don't thank me, Joxer." She said. Xena wanted to say more, but couldn't figure out how. So she put an arm around his shoulders and squeezed heartily.